Fantasy football: Can't pass on these quarterbacks
Green Bay Packers' Aaron Rodgers (12) celebrates a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns during the first half of a preseason football game. (Aug. 14, 2010) Credit: AP
The NFL has become more of a passing league with 10 quarterbacks throwing for more than 4,000 yards last season. Does that mean it's essential to draft a quarterback early in fantasy football? It's not and there is depth at the position, even in leagues that award six points for a passing TD.
Unless you are in a league that starts two quarterbacks, it's not integral to draft a quarterback in the first few rounds, although the elite QBs are safe picks.
Aaron Rodgers (Packers): He was sacked 50 times and still passed for 4,434 yards with 30 TDs. Also a threat on the ground with five TDs.
Drew Brees (Saints): At least 4,388 yards in four straight seasons and 34 TDs the last two seasons.
Peyton Manning (Colts): Four consecutive seasons of at least 4,002 yards and at least 31 TDs in three of the last four years.
Tom Brady (Patriots): Coming off an ACL tear, Brady didn't look the same, but even in a down year, he passed for 4,398 yards and 28 TDs against a very tough passing schedule. He'll be better this season two years removed from surgery.
Tony Romo (Cowboys): Lots of weapons and has averaged more than 34 passing attempts per game the last two seasons. Interceptions decreased for the third consecutive season.
Matt Schaub (Texans): Last year wasn't a surprise. He missed five games in the two seasons before last year because of injuries. He played every game last year and led the NFL with 4,770 passing yards.
Jay Cutler (Bears): The interceptions might still be high, but quarterbacks usually put up good numbers in a Mike Martz offense. Cutler will pass frequently and 600 pass attempts aren't out of the question. The Bears wide receivers are better than perceived.
Philip Rivers (Chargers): Could pass less with the addition of Ryan Mathews and the absence of Vincent Jackson is a big loss. The Chargers haven't finished higher than 23rd in pass attempts under Norv Turner.
Brett Favre (Vikings): He's back, but don't expect last season's numbers.
Kevin Kolb (Eagles): The Eagles passed 60.6 percent of the time last season and will continue to be a pass-heavy offense. The organization is showing a lot of faith in Kolb, who is familiar with the system, and there are a lot of weapons on offense.
Joe Flacco (Ravens): The Ravens should pass more often and if you wait on the position, teaming Flacco with one of the QBs below is a sound strategy.
Eli Manning (Giants): Set career highs with 4,021 yards, 27 TD passes and 62.3 completion percentage, but expect the Giants to have a run-first philosophy.
Others to look at:
Matt Ryan (Falcons)
Carson Palmer (Bengals)
Ben Roethlisberger (Steelers)
Donovan McNabb (Redskins)
Matthew Stafford (Lions)
Chad Henne (Dolphins)
Matt Cassel (Chiefs)
Alex Smith (49ers)
David Garrard (Jaguars)
Jason Campbell (Raiders)
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